Busch Gardens Tampa Bay animal habitat expansion coming in 2026: Lion & Hyena Ridge
Busch Gardens Tampa Bay will debut Lion & Hyena Ridge, an animal habitat expansion, in 2026.
The park in Tampa, Fla., first teased the news in a September 2025 press release and officially revealed Lion & Hyena Ridge on Nov. 5, 2025. It will open in spring 2026.
Busch Gardens calls Lion & Hyena Ridge the park’s “most ambitious new habitat in more than a decade,” expanding the existing habitat to a total of nearly 35,000 square feet. The area will include glass viewing areas and shaded walkways for guests, and water elements and rock formations for the animals.
Lion & Hyena Ridge will be home to lion brothers Pascal, Lou, Henri, Hugo, and Herman, as well as hyenas Cazi and Dazi.
“2026 will be a landmark year at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay as we continue to elevate the guest experience,” said Brian Bacica, park president, in September 2025. “From thrilling new attractions and a landmark animal habitat expansion to new festivals, culinary offerings, and entertainment, our annual pass ensures members are the first to experience every moment of excitement.”
Among the new events debuting in 2026 are Sesame Street Kids’ Weekends; the Food, Wine, & Garden Festival; Military Appreciation Month in May; and Glory in the Gardens, a Christian music festival.
Recent additions at Busch Gardens Tampa Bay include the Wild Oasis children’s area in 2025, the Phoenix Rising roller coaster in 2024, and the Serengeti Flyer swing thrill ride in 2023.
Not too far away in Orlando, Busch Gardens’ sister park SeaWorld will open a suspended-track dark ride in 2026.
Are you excited for the Busch Gardens 2026 expansion? Stay tuned to AttractionsMagazine.com for daily coverage of theme park news, trip reports, and exclusive interviews from United Parks & Resorts (Busch Gardens’ parent company), Disney, Universal, and independent attractions around the world.
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